Nigel's Photo Blog

This evening, I am reporting on my visit earlier today to the scenic town of Gatehouse of Fleet (pop 984) in southern Scotland. Location is 32 miles SW of Dumfries and close to the Anglo-Scottish border. I found Gatehouse a fascinating experience with the 'old town' district full of interesting architecture much of it from the Georgian period of late 18th-early 19th century. Many of these significant buildings were probably built with proceeds of wealth generated by the early stages of the Industrial Revolution. Activities and industries included four cotton mills, a busy port constructed on the banks of a canalised river (the Fleet), a gas works, tannery and soap works. Here is a selection of images: Former tannery, now a grocery store. Everybody undertakes one of these trips! Local landscape Parish Church Clock Tower dating from 1871 Colourful shop Hotel Place of business of former tailor Public space in town centre Entrance to former town hall Heavy restored for derelict hot...

This morning, my wife and myself visited Barholm Castle Garden in southern Scotland. Location is on a high elevation point near the Solway Firth, about 35 miles SW of Dumfries.  The castle is, in fact, a 16th century Tower House which went out of fashion as the countryside benefited from greater security resulting in abandonment of the castle as the owners moved to more comfortable accommodation. Consequent upon the change of occupation the castle fell into decline and became an abandoned ruin for about 200 years. In 2006 the castle underwent another change of ownership and full restoration.In tandem with work on the castle the new owners embarked on an extensive restoration-and extension- of the gardem which now extends to about three acres. Key features of the restored garden include:  Extended walled garden with a gate designed by the artist blacksmith, Adam Booth. A courtyard garden. A wooded ravine with huge hybrid rhododendrons. A pond and large fernery with over 90 vari...

Today, my wife and mys.elf enjoyed a fascinating time on the northern side of the Solway Firsth in southern Scotland. In fact, the Firth acts as part of the boundary betwen England and Scotland. Typical beach scene Despite being at a latitude of 55 degrees north we benfited from unusual coincidence of unusually hot weather, shallow seas and a long tidal reach. All of this contributed to excellent swimming and other water activities including me undertaking first ever paddle boarding experience. As predicted, the weather turned very wet late afternoon but prior to that we managed to explore the immediate locality on foot as illustrated in the images below.    Red Admiral Butterfly spotted on our beachside walk  Coastal View Large White Butterfly Equine View  One of two, near identical, very friendly, pussy cats we encountered.     One for my American followers. This is a genuine, left-hand drive, Americn school bus which has been converted as a camper van. W...

  London panorama from atop St Paul’s Cathedral Today, I am reprising a couple of important historical and architectural sites in London, England. Unfortunately, photography has been restricted and inhibited by a combination of poor weather conditions and restrictions at the two sites visited. However, all was not lost because I was able to obtain a selection of a aerial views of London city and the Thames from atop St Paul’s Cathedral. Grey clouds and rain featured throughout most of the day. St Paul’s Cathedral This was first call. This building was designed by famous English architect, Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1711. Christian places of worship have stood on the same site since 604 AD. The design deliberately departed from the traditional Roman Catholic style to emphasise England’s switch to Protestantism (Anglican). There are few burials and memorials other than those to such famous Britons as Sir Winston Churchill, Lord Nelson and the Duke of Welling...